Sunrise Sunset Show-Off

Anole lizards greet dawn and dusk with a special threat display for their rivals

12-01-2008
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Hannah Schardt

WHEN MALE anole lizards greet both dawn and dusk with pushups, they’re not getting energized for the day or winding down for the night. According to a new study, four anole species are actually marking their territories with vigorous strength displays, including bobbing heads and extending neck flaps. Harvard University researcher Terry Ord says the Jamaican reptiles are the first animals known to use visual displays, rather than audible signals such as tweeting and chirping, to ward off interlopers at sunup and sundown.